Traveling with Printer in RV

[dont45]

Do you have any experience/suggestions about traveling with a printer (Epson P800) in an RV / camper? For example, locking print heads, etc.
At least the ink will be shaken, LOL.

 

[rogue_designer]

I don't have any specific advice, having only speculated on the idea a few years ago - but one thing I considered (and I'll be curious to hear if anyone has experience with) - using foam isolation platform/blocks like those used for turntables, to dampen vibrations and knocks.

 

[muser53]

I'm thinking that whatever service that delivered your printer in the first place was far less gentle that riding atop a bed in your RV 🙂

 

[rogue_designer]

I'm thinking that whatever service that delivered your printer in the first place was far less gentle that riding atop a bed in your RV 🙂

Yes, but it wasn't actively loaded with ink at the time. I expect he doesn't want to have to flush it, and re-load when he stops so he can print...

 

[Calzone]

Try to maintain 50% humidity to prevent your print head from drying out that will promote clogs.

Use frequently (more than once a week).

Cal

 

[dont45]

Calzone, The 50% humidity level is interesting. I live in New England and we typically have that level or more. I may do extensive travel / time in desert southwest and would not be able to maintain anything like that level short of somehow containing the printer. I have a 3800 which is about 10 years old and has never had a clog. Almost all printing is B&W so color is used very little. One of my color inks is exp 2007. Head cleaning is ok and color prints perfectly. Sometimes I have had it shut off for 6 months. Hope the R800 works as well. A little off topic, but ink clogging is one major concern, especially giving potential high temps and dry humidity in camper. Also interested in how to secure heads and other components for movement while traveling.

 

[Pablito]

Every time I move my 3880, even just a little, it needs a head alignment. Good luck...

 

[Ronald M]

When I smoked a pipe years ago, tobacco was in a humidor with a wet sponge. Try plastic bag for humidor

 

[Dogman]

It might depend on the type of RV as far as vibration is concerned. Also location inside the RV. Motor coaches would have a softer suspension since humans ride inside as well as human's belongings. People don't ride (or at least shouldn't ride) in trailers while the trailer is in motion. Trailers sometimes don't even have shock absorbers. Placement behind the axle makes for a bumpy ride in whatever vehicle you use. Placement in the forward section is less bouncy.

I've never owned a motor coach but I have owned standard travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers in the past. Both types were brutal on objects placed in the rear. But I can recall forgetting a partially full cup of coffee I had put down in the front storage section of a fifth wheel while packing. We traveled several hundred miles that day and when I found that forgotten cup it had not spilled a drop. But that same trailer would regularly dump the contents of cabinets and drawers that were behind the axle.

I also have no experience with campers that slide into the bed of a pickup truck. I would guess they would have the same limitations as a travel trailer as far as placement and climate controls are concerned. Space would also be at a premium.

Humidity and temperature control is not a problem for motor coach interiors. They have built-in generators designed for use while in motion that can run the climate control system. But trailers only have climate controls with hooked up to a proper electrical outlet. Even trailers with accessory generators are not designed for the generator to be used when moving.

For long term travel, you can probably overcome the obstacles. After all, many people live full time in RVs and move with the seasons or job availability. For relatively short term or recreational travel, it might be more of a challenge than it's worth.

 

[RF-Addict]

We own a 40ft motohome and I use a printer (not high end, just to print permits, hiking descriptions etc.). Been doing it for 4 years, never had any issues with misaligned print heads. Printer is located mid-coach.

 

[Darthfeeble]

We have an R200 Epson that has been riding under the bed for years and though we haven't used it in a couple of years now, we used to print out pix for folks quite a bit and never had a problem. I would hope your RV rides better than one of those big brown ones.

 

[dont45]

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions, concerns and ideas. This is a project in conception phase, at this point I don't currently own a RV. I am leaning toward an Airstream camper but may go with a full blown RV. Printer or no printer won't effect that decision. I understand it will be much easier with an RV and perhaps very difficult / impossible with trailer. I have done extensive 'photo' trips in the past and always wished that I could produce some high quality large prints, especially as gifts to those I meet along the way. Long term camping throughout the country makes my desire to print even stronger. I will likely build a custom desk for my work / printing area, so I thought that I could build in some physical restraint as well as shock absorbing system to protect the printer, yet have it quick to 'open' to a usable printer. I have an Epson 3800 which I am just now replacing with a P800. I was planning on using the new printer but could use something else. My printing is exclusively B&W from my Leica M monochrom and typically on the larger sizes supported by this printer. These two printers produce superb B&W so are my preference.